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Name: Erinn Noble
Status: N/A
Age: N/A
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 1999
Question:
How many years do you have to go to school to be a scientist?


Replies:
That's a very open question, Erinn. Anybody who spends time figuring out problems in science and is always in a search for answers can be considered a scientist, I guess. To be technical (and I speak as a chemist since this IS in the chem section), a college degree is a start. Many chemists stop there and then work. Others will keep going to school and either get a masters degree or a doctoral degree (that's what I'm doing now). The good thing about chemistry is that you don't need a masters degree to go on for the doctorate (though you can go by that route). A masters degree usually takes about 2-3 years to get. A doctorate (Ph.D.) usually takes 4-6 years. These numbers are all AFTER you complete college! It's a long time, but it's worth it in the long run. Good questions!

-Joe Schultz


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